The Curaçao national football team held an open training session in Boca Raton, Florida, before their first FIFA World Cup match [1].

The event marks a historic milestone for the team, as Curaçao is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament [5]. Their presence on the world stage represents a significant sporting achievement for a country with a population of just over 150,000 people [2].

Training took place at FAU Stadium, located at Florida Atlantic University [2]. The session drew approximately 5,000 fans [4] who gathered to watch the squad prepare for their opening game. The team arrives at the tournament with significant momentum after remaining undefeated through 10 qualifying matches [2].

Curaçao is scheduled to play Germany on June 14, 2026 [1]. The match serves as the team's debut in the competition, pitting the small island nation against one of the most successful football programs in history.

The open session in Florida allowed the players to acclimate to the U.S. environment while engaging with supporters. The team used the facility at Florida Atlantic University to finalize tactics, and conditioning before the tournament begins [2].

“Curaçao is the smallest nation ever to qualify for the tournament”

Curaçao's qualification and subsequent debut against a powerhouse like Germany highlights a shift in the global accessibility of the World Cup. As the smallest qualifying nation in history, their journey from an undefeated qualifying run to the tournament stage underscores the growing competitiveness of smaller football associations on the international level.